Golf sees strong start to season

Kaneland’s Matt Yonkovich watches his ball after a putt on the second hole during a quad meet of Geneva, Glenbard South, South Elgin and Kaneland at Mill Creek Golf Club Tuesday. Photo by Erik Anderson

KHS golf team takes 2nd place at Geneva, Plainfield
KANELAND—A solid start by the Kaneland High School golf team highlighted the beginning of 2013, and could be one of a handful of highlights to look back on, provided things go their way the rest of the year.

At Mill Creek in Geneva on Tuesday, Kaneland took second in a quad meet that involved the hosts, Glenbard South and South Elgin. Monday had the Knight clubbers going to an invite hosted by Plainfield North High School, also seeing a second-place nod.

At Mill Creek, Geneva’s 300 was good to lead the pack, followed by a 303 for KHS, a 309 for Glenbard South and South Elgin’s 324 score.

While Russell Matos of Glenbard South had the medalist honor with a 70 effort, Kaneland’s top four totals provided a boost. Brody Kuhar shot a 72, followed by Matt Yonkovich’s 75, Jesse Denton’s 76 and Stephen Cannell’s 80.

At the Plainfield North Invite, Kaneland’s team score of 306 was 11 behind top-rated Wheaton North, and three strokes ahead of Lockport. Plainfield North (311) and Yorkville (323) rounded out the top five in the 15-team gathering.

Yonkovich was able to put his skill into action by shooting a 69, second-best out of all the field, with Kuhar’s 77 good for 15th overall. Denton and Cannell each produced an 80.

Kaneland’s Brody Kuhar putts while Geneva’s Nathan Desens watches during the same meet.Photo by Erik Anderson

“Our team is pleased with the first few performances of the season,” KHS head coach Mark Meyer said. “Matt and Brody have already established themselves as leaders at the top of our lineup, and other players like Stephen Cannell and Jesse Denton have made significant improvements in the off season to work their way into the top four. We’re excited about where we can go from here.”

Kaneland faces off against the field at the Geneva Invitational, back at Mill Creek, on Thursday, Aug. 22.